With the majority of labels still printed flexographically, converters continue to seek cutting-edge solutions to deliver their customers increased quality. Mark Andy, a manufacturer of flexo and digital printing presses, has unveiled the PRO Series to optimize single-pass pressure sensitive label printing.

From the ground up, PRO Series has been engineered to maximize waste savings and drastically reduce setup and changeover times. By incorporating efficient energy reducing components with distinct configurations, PRO Series can produce labels that answer brand demand for high quality products and a low total cost of ownership. The press is modular, as well. The Mark Andy PRO Series carries future value for adopters of the technology, as the system has been designed and built as an upgradeable “flexo-to-hybrid” solution.

To learn more about this new press line, L&NW caught up with Gretchen Tobol, product manager, flexo presses.

L&NW: How has flexo evolved to meet the latest trends of automation, less available labor, and sustainability? 
GT: In order for flexo presses to compete in a growing digital space, adaptation is critical. Focusing on reducing labor needed to set up and change over jobs, together with automation that ensures jobs are registered within one press length and right sizing press components to be more energy efficient, are all key aspects of Mark Andy’s PRO Series.  

L&NW: What are the advantages of Mark Andy’s new PRO Series?
GT: The new PRO Series flexo press is the first full servo-driven CE certified flexo press at an extremely affordable price point. The press provides an efficient and effective workflow, lower machine operating costs compared to mechanical presses and has an upgradable design that allows converters to expand their flexo capabilities or easily transition into digital with a toner-based engine.

PRO Series was built using the award-winning Performance Series designs, reducing waste by up to 40% and set up time by up to 50% over legacy presses.

L&NW: How does modularity factor into this press design? 
GT: Modularity was a key design element for PRO Series. A converter can easily start with a few print stations and add up to a total of eight in the future. PRO Series goes beyond adding more flexo decks, our toner based digital engine can also be added – making it one of the most versatile, adaptable presses in the industry. 

L&NW: What can you say about the relationship between flexo-digital-hybrid as we head into the future? 
GT: There is a place for all of them. Each has a unique set of benefits that will resonate with different converters. Flexo is a mainstay and will be around for the foreseeable future. The advances in technology have made flexo more competitive at shorter runs and remains the technology of choice for long run, highly embellished labels and packaging. 

Digital is ideal for shorter runs or highly versioned products. Hybrid, like our PRO Max, which is based on the PRO Series platform, is the best of both worlds. Cost effectiveness of flexo and short run capability of digital.

L&NW: What should converters know when investing in this new press platform? 
GT: PRO Series is an example of the future of print. Modular, flexible, upgradable, sustainable – all key criteria that the modern converters are looking for. The PRO Series flexo press, like all Mark Andy products is supported by the largest customer service team in the industry, committed to delivering spare parts, technical service, PM programs, retrofits and rebuilds, as well as dedicated hands-on training.